Paperback, 304 pages
Published Dec. 1, 2003 by Earthlight.
My second book in the series, and it was another fun and quick read. It will be interesting to see Miles and Gregor's future in the series, they certainly have their challenges to overcome.
A favorite, as always. Miles is up there in my list of favorite characters, and I can love his mother and father no less.
I love Bujold's well-thought-out, moral gray-shaded universe. It occupies a spot in my heart between Mercedes Lackey and Mass Effect - which is to say, closest and dearest.
First read on Goodreads on 3/28/13.
Reread 1/1/17
Another knockout for the Vorkosigans. Didn't quite hit as hard as the first one now that I'm into it, but still great. Can't wait to delve into the books with Miles.
Honestly, I think if I'm going to keep reading this series, I ought to stick to the Cordelia books. I have nothing against Miles, but the way he's written is a little insufferable. While Cordelia is also ultimately always right about everything, it's somewhat more refreshing to see that in a female character. Reverse sexism strikes again, I guess.
I also just prefer the culture clash and political backdrop of these novels to The Adventures Of Sexist Baby Genuis With A Chip On His Shoulder. Cordelia is, I think, supposed to be an unreliable and biased narrator at times. Maybe that's something Bujold is trying with Miles, but I've never gotten that sense personally. With Cordelia, her super-liberalism is supposed to be lampooned as it contrasts with the super-conservatism of Barrayar, or the central conceit of the book wouldn't work. I personally find that much more engaging to read.
In contention for my most favorite book.
